Player Blog: Jesse Schwartzman Recaps U.S. Team Training Weekend

I just finished up with Team USA training camp in Downingtown, PA, and what an experience that was. In order to tune up for camp, I played in two scrimmages with a group of Chesapeake Bayhawks and other professional players. We played Navy and High Point University down in Annapolis last weekend. It was fun to play with some old college teammates and especially nice to get warmed up by the best in the biz: my former high school coach, and current Bayhawk assistant/equipment guru, Tano Arrogancia. Tano and I had a great run at Pikesville High, which culminated with a Maryland State Championship in 2001.

The tuneup got me physically prepared for U.S. Team Training Camp, but I needed to get myself mentally prepared as well. I watched some old tapes of some of the guys I idolize in the cage; Brian Carcaterra, Brian Dougherty and Trevor Tierney. All three play a different style, but all played at the highest level and with a presence that I try to play with every time I step in the crease.

Last Friday afternoon, I headed up to Downingtown with my Federal Hill neighbors, Dan Burns and Ben Hunt. There was a serious music battle going on, but my car ultimately means my music (Sirius/XM Channel 29, Jam On), which in turn put Be to sleep. What can I say, the man doesn’t appreciate real musicians playing real instruments. It's a real shame.

When we arrived at the hotel Friday night, we had our initial meeting and were given our gear for the weekend, which continues to be a feeling that is hard to describe. It’s always nice to receive new gear, especially some new sweats and rain suits when the weather is turning, but wearing and competing for the USA is just a very special honor.

Friday night’s practice at West Chester University was a lot of review on offensive and defensive strategy and terminology, followed by half field 6-v-6. It was fun to play again in Coach Petro’s detailed defensive schemes and really fun to play with my fellow Jays — Mike Evans, Stephen Peyser and Tucker Durkin.

Saturday morning, we started with some more skeleton review (no opposition), then did some 4-v-4 and 6-v-6 to practice the new concepts we learned. Practices were all upbeat and high-tempo with a ton of energy from all the coaches and players. After some headshots, a team picture and a great team dinner, the weekend finished off Sunday morning with a full field, blue-white scrimmage. Since we don’t get back together until January in Orlando, it is going to be each one of our duty to stay in shape, stay sharp on and off the field and stay focused on next summer’s World Championship.

The sense of pride to wear the red, white and blue, even in practice, is special. We are representing so many people, and people expect the best from us. It is a huge responsibility, but well worth it all.

I feel good about the way I played in Pennsylvania and am looking forward to competing with the rest of the guys and other goalies for a final spot on the USA roster.

Until next time, keep it real, and keep it fresh.

-Jesse

Be sure to check out Jesse's new website, JesseSchwartzman.com for more from the reigning MLL Goalie of the Year.